Apparatus for reinforcing and punching sheets



Oct. 30, 1956 B. HIRSON APPARATUS FOR REINFORCING AND PUNCHlNG SHEETS Filed June 23, 1954 ZTZETT. 2C7: BEN/AM/N H/lesolv A A 11 gW ZZ W m ear United States Patent "'ice APPARATUS FOR REINFORCING AND PUNCHING SHEETS Beniamin Hirson, Yonkers, N. Y., assignor to Strongleaf Paper Corporation, Yonkers, N. Y., a corporation of New York Application June 23, 195.'4, Serial No. 438,735

7 Claims. (Cl. 93-1) The invention relates to improvements in apparatus for re-enforcing and punching looseleaf sheets and is more particularly concerned with a novel assembly and the novel construction of shearing and punching tools employed in such an apparatus.

The mechanism embodying the features of the present invention is adapted to shear a patch from an adhesively coated ribbon, attach said patch to a sheet and to then punch a hole through the attached patch and sheet. Sheets having patches of this character attached thereto are thereby re-enforced in the area surrounding the hole, which hole is intended to receive a ring or post binder. The present construction embodies many structural and functional improvements over the device disclosed and claimed in my co-pending application Serial No. 289,109, filed May 21, 1952, now U. S. Patent No. 2,690,101, and it is, therefore, an object of this invention to provide such an improved structure.

The instant construction may be designed to shear circular or non-circular patches without requiring a change in the basic structure, assembly or mode of operation. The construction illustrated and described in the present disclosure is designed to shear circular patches and to punch an off-center, or eccentric, hole therein so as to leave the maximum amount of the patch in the area of greatest tearing strain; although it should be obvious that the punch may be located in axial alignment with the shearing element without necessitating material alteration of the structure disclosed. It is, therefore, another object of the invention to provide a novel shearing and punching device of the character referred to.

Another object of the invention is to provide a novel assembly of component elements of a shearing and punching mechanism.

Another object is to provide a structure of the character described which may be assembled and disassembled readily without prolonged shutdown of the apparatus, thus increasing the utility of the device.

Another object is to provide a novel structure of the character described which includes a die plate as an integral part thereof, so as to insure alignment of the punch with the die opening therein at all times.

Another object is to provide novel means to mount the shearing and punching mechanism for adjustment relative to its actuating mechanism.

- With the foregoing and other objects in view which will appear as the description proceeds, the invention consists of certain novel features of construction, arrangement and combination of parts hereinafter fully described, illustrated in the accompanying drawings, and particularly pointed out in the appended claims, it being understood that various changes in the form, proportion, size and minor details of the structure may be made without departing from the spirit or sacrificing any of the advantages of the invention.

For the purpose of facilitating an understanding of my ings a preferred embodiment thereof, from an inspection 2,768,560 Patented Oct. 30, 1956 of which, when considered in connection with the following description, my invention, its mode of construction, assembly and operation, and many of its advantages should be readily understood and appreciated.

Referring to the drawings in which the same characters of reference are employed to indicate corresponding or similar parts throughout the several figures of the drawlugs:

Fig. 1 is a side elevational view of a re-enforcing and punching apparatus embodying the features of the present invention, showing it mounted on a support.

Fig. 2 is a vertical sectional view of the apparatus shown in Fig. 1, taken substantially on line 22 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a sectional View similar to Fig. 2, but showing parts of the apparatus in other relative positions occupied during operation thereof.

Fig. 4 is a sectional view similar to Fig. 2, showing the parts in still other relative positions assumed during operation.

Fig. 5 is a vertical sectional view taken substantially on line 5-5 of Fig. 2.

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary view of a sheet showing a patch of the kind provided by operation of the present apparatus attached thereto.

Before entering into a detail discussion of the structure and operation of the shearing, attaching and punching mechanism illustrated, it should be observed that the present disclosure is concerned with but a single patch forming and attaching mechanism, whereas in actual practice at least two, and in some instances more, of these mechanisms will be associated together so as to provide a single sheet of paper with a plurality of re-enforced punched holes. Inasmuch as the construction and operation of all of the mechanisms which may be joined in a single perforating and attaching machine embody the same structural characteristics, the present description is concerned with the construction and operation of but one of said mechanisms.

Referring particularly to the Fig. 1 disclosure, the shearing, attaching and punching mechanism is housed within a body 11 which may be of any cross-sectional shape but preferably is provided with rearwardly extending bosses 12 suitably tapped to receive mounting screws 13. The screws 13 extend through longitudinal slots 14 in a supporting bar 15 constituting a part of the sheet feeding apparatus upon which the mechanism is mounted. The presence of slots 14, to receive the screws 13, affords means whereby the mechanism may be adjusted longi tudinally along the support 15 for the purpose of varying the spacing between the patches and holes provided when a multiple of said mechanisms are associated one with the other.

The body 11 includes a die plate 16 suitably secured thereto for adjustment therewith in any suitable manner, such as by one or more screws 17. The upper face of the die plate 16 has its major portion spaced below the lower end of the body 11 to provide a jaw 18 within which one margin of a piece of sheet stock 19 is received. This unitary construction of the body 11 and die plate 16 provides a structure that insures alignment of the punch opening 21 in the die plate with the punch of the mechanism now to be described.

Referring now to Fig. 2, the body 11 is provided with a vertical passage 22 which terminates short of the lower end of the body in an internal flange 23. A shear plate 24 is secured firmly to the bottom face of the body 11 and constitutes the top wall of the jaw 18. This shear plate is provided with a shearing opening 25, the purpose and function of which will be explained presently. Note should be made that an adhesively coated ribbon 26 is adapted to be threaded through the body 11 in the space defined by the internal flange 23, so as to normally rest upon the top surface of the shear plate 24. Slots 27 and 28 are provided respectively in the body 11 and support 15 to permit the passage of said ribbon. As is common in most machines of this character, the ribbon stock 26 is supplied in roll form and is advanced through the body 11 stey-by-step during successive operations of the mechanism so as to always present a non-sheared portion to the mechanism prior to each operation. Inasmuch as this feed mechanism constitutes no part of the present invention, it is not disclosed.

The mechanism provided for shearing, attaching and punching the attached patches is all contained within the body 11 and is arranged therein in such manner that it may be easily and quickly disassembled or reassembled should it become necessary. Referring again to the Fig. 2 disclosures, a guide sleeve 29 is fitted snugly within the passages 22 and preferably carries on its lower end a metal cap 31 which includes an internal flange defining a guide opening through which a shearing element, to be described presently, is adapted to pass. The guide sleeve 23 may extend a short distance above the top end of the body 11 and it has mounted therein for vertical reciprocation relative thereto a second sleeve 32. The sleeve 32 is keyed, as at 33, to receive a key 34 carried in the guide sleeve 29 so as to prevent relative rotation.

The sleeve 32 is a component part of the shearing element assembly and, as shown, it has telescoped therethrough a tubular element 35' formed at its upper end with an enlarged diameter 36 to provide a shoulder to abut the upper end of the sleeve 32.. The lower extremity of the tubular element 35 has a reduced perimeter 37, thus defining an annular slot to receive one end of a tubular shearing element 38, the other end of which extends downwardly beyond the lower end of the sleeve 32. One or more lock screws 39, carried in the sleeve 32, may be provided to join securely the sleeve 32, shearing element 33, and tubular element 35 so as to insure movementof the elements of the shearing assembly in unison.

The upper extremity of the enlarged portion 36 on the tubular element 35 is externally threaded, as at 41, to receive a collar 42 threaded thereon. The collar 42 constitutes abutment means for the upper end of a heavy compression spring 43, the lower end of which rests upon the top surface ofthe body 11. This spring functions to normally hold the shearing element assembly substantially in theposition illustrated in Fig. 2, in which position the cutting edge 44 of the shearing element 38 is held spaced above the internally flanged cap 31.

A punch '45 is telescoped through the tubular element 35 and it is of such length that, when in the position illustrated in Fig. 2, its cutting end is positioned above the shearingedge 44. The other end of the punch 45 extends a substantial distance above said tubular element 35 and itcarries firmly, adjacent said end, a flange or washer 46. A compression spring 47 is fitted around the=projecting end of the punch 45 with one of its ends bearing against the washer 46 and its-other end seated in a recess 48 provided at the upper end of the tubular element 35. The spring 47 normally holds the punch inthe position substantially as illustrated'in Fig. 2.

A pressing shoe49-is telescoped into the lower end of the shearing'eleme'nt 38 and around the lower end of the'punch'35. As is best illustrated in Fig. 5, the punch element-has a-fiat spot 51 within which a pin52, extending substantially diametrically through the pressing shoe" 49, is guided. This operative connection 'between thepressing'shoe '49'a'nd the'punch 45'affords means whereby the punch may move 'alimited distance independently of the pressing shoe. "Normally the pin52 is positioned at the lowermost end of the flat spot Slowing to the action of '-a-compression spring53 disposed between the lowerend of the tubular element 35 "and the top of the. pres'sing -shoe 49. v

*As has' been noted-hereiiiabove, the'punch 45"may be arranged in the shearing element assembly in such manner as to punch a concentric opening in the patch formed by the shearing element. In the present disclosure, the punch 45 has its axis offset slightly from the axis of the shearing element assembly, as is best shown in Fig. 5, so that when the sheared patch 54 is attached to the sheet, as illustrated in Fig. 6, the hole 55 performed therein by the punch 45 is eccentric with the configuration of the patch so as to provide a greater area of the patch on that portion of the sheet which is subjected to greatest tearing strain.

The manner of operation of the mechanism is best illustrated in Figs. 2, 3, and 4, wherein the parts are shown in various positions during a shearing and punching operation. Movement of the parts is accomplished preferably by providing independent cam elements for the shearing element assembly and for the punch. To this end, a rotatable shaft 56 is suitably mounted above the mechanism. This shaft carries an eccentric 57 having its team edge in surface contact with the top face of the tubular element 35. When the shaft 56 is rotated in a clockwise direction, the eccentric is effective to progressively depress the shearing element assembly downwardly against the action of spring 43. Fig. 3 shows the shearing element assembly partially depressed and Fig. 4 illustrates the parts in fully depressed position. When in this last named position, the shearing element 38 has sheared a patch 54 from the ribbon 26.

During downward movement of the shearing assembly 35, the punch 45' is also carried downwardly to perform its punching operation. Such movement of the punch is accomplished by providing a second eccentric 58, preferably on the side face of the eccentric 57. As is best illustrated in Fig. 2, the eccentric 58 has surface engagement with the upper extremity of the punch 45 and during rotation of the shaft 56 said punch is progressively advanced downwardly and at such a rate that .it will punch the attached patch and sheet only after the pressing shoe 49 has been carried with the punch into firm pressing engagement with said patch. This necessitates relative movement between the punch 45 and the pressing shoe 49. Such relative movement is accomplished by shifting of the pin 52 along the fiat spot 51 initially against'the action of spring 53.

It should be quite apparent that the shearing of patches and their attachment to a sheet and subsequent punching of the patch and sheet is accomplished during a single operating cycle of the mechanism and that, should said mechanism require disassembly for any purpose whatsoever, such as for example sharpening or replacement of the shearing element 38 or replacement of any-of the springs, the mechanism may be shifted bodily along-the support 15 into a position clear of the eccentrics*575 8, whereupon said mechanism maybe lifted as a unit from the body 11 and reassembled easily. Should the spring 43 require replacement, it is only necessary to remove the collar 42, after having first shifted the mechanism relative to the earns 57 and 58. As an alternative, the cams 5758 may be shifted longitudinally on the shaft 56 so as to position them out of the path of the assemblage.

It is believed that my invention, its mode of construction and assembly, and many of its advantages should be readily understood from the foregoing Without further description, and it should also be manifest that'while a preferred embodiment of the invention has been shown and described for illustrative purposes, the structural details are nevertheless capable of wide variation'within the purview of my invention as defined in the appended claims.

What I claim and desire to secure by'Letters Patent of the United States is:

1. In a punch mechanism, a body, a passageway through the body, a guide sleeve telescoped into said passageway, a sleeve reciprocal in said guidesleeve, a

shearing element within said last named sleeve, a tubular element telescoped into the last named sleeve, said tubular element having a reduced perimeter at one end to receive the shearing element telescoped thereover, means securing the last named sleeve, shearing element and tubular element together, a collar on the other end of said tubular element, said collar being located outside the body, and a spring interposed between said body and collar to retain the assembly in a predetermined position with respect to said body.

2. In a punch mechanism, a body, a passageway through the body, a sleeve reciprocal within said body, a shearing element within said last named sleeve, a tubular element telescoped into the last named sleeve, said tubular element having a reduced perimeter at one end to receive the shearing element telescoped thereover, means securing said sleeve, shearing element and tubular element together, a removable collar on the other end of said tubular element, said collar being located outside the body, and a spring interposed between said body and collar to retain the assembly in a predetermined position with respect to the body.

3. In a punch mechanism, a body, a passageway through the body, a guide sleeve telescoped into said passageway, a sleeve reciprocal in said guide sleeve, a shearing element Within said reciprocal sleeve, a tubular element telescoped into the reciprocal sleeve, said tubular element having a reduced perimeter at one end of receive the shearing element telescoped thereover, means securing the reciprocal sleeve, shearing element and tubular element together, a collar on the other end of said tubular element, said collar being located outside the body, a spring interposed between said body and collar to retain the assembly in a predetermined position with respect to the body, and a punch telescoped through and movable independently of the tubular element.

4. In a punch mechanism of the character described in claim 3 in which a spring is interposed between the punch and the tubular element to retain the punch normally in a predetermined position.

5. In a punch mechanism of the character described in claim 3 in which a pressing shoe is telescoped over the cutting end of the punch.

6. in a punch mechanism, a body, a passageway through the body, a guide sleeve telescoped into said passageway, an internal flange at the lower end of said guide sleeve, a sleeve reciprocal in said guide sleeve, a shearing element within said reciprocal sleeve arranged for guided movement through an opening defined by the internal flange, a tubular element telescoped into the reciprocal sleeve, said tubular element being formed at one end to receive the shearing element telescoped thereover, means securing the reciprocal sleeve, shearing element and tubular element together, an external flange on the other end of said tubular element outside the body, a spring interposed between said body and external flange to retain the assembly in a predetermined position with respect to the body, and a punch telescoped through and movable independently of the tubular element.

7. In a punch mechanism of the character described in claim 6 in which a spring is interposed between the punch and the tubular element to retain the punch normally in a predetermined position relative to the tubular element.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,353,232 Greene July 11, 1944 2,512,822 Barsh June 27, 1950 2,583,944 Hirszson et a1 Jan. 29, 1952 2,690,101 Hirson Sept. 28, 1954 FOREIGN PATENTS 437,147 Great Britain Oct. 14, 1929 

